Located on scenic Whidbey Island in Washington State, the Organic Farm School (OFS) trains aspiring farmers to run successful ecological- and community-focused farms and uses its ten-acre organic farm as a real world example and outdoor classroom. During the full-time, 8-month program, students spend one third of their time attending weekly classes and field trainings, studying a university-developed farming and marketing curriculum, going on bi-weekly field trips and engaging in independent research projects, including the writing of a personal farm business plan. Students spend the balance of their time co-managing the OFS student farm, which focuses on market-scale production of organic vegetables, seed crops, and livestock with cover crops, berries, and bees incorporated as well. Through this balance of academic and experiential studies, students learn and experience all aspects of starting and running a small scale organic farm, from goal setting and business planning to planting, harvesting, and marketing. With this skill and knowledge base, graduates are able to minimize their risk and maximize their success as they enter the growing field of sustainable farmers!

The Organic Farm School (OFS)

The Organic Farm School, our primary educational program, is a full-time, 8-month long experiential program for aspiring farmers seeking to learn and practice the technical and business skills needed to run a sustainable small-scale organic commercial farm. Through cooperatively managing the OFS’s ten-acre farm and attending weekly lectures, discussions and demonstrations on topics including organic crop production, soil science, business planning, livestock production, and direct marketing, participants will acquire a thorough education in organic small farm management. Participants also engage in the creation of a personal business plan. Bi-weekly field trips to regional farms allow participants to see a variety of farming styles and talk to experienced producers. Through management of the Farm, participants develop their practical farm skills including planning, tillage, greenhouse propagation, weeding, harvesting, marketing, record-keeping and more. Students also learn to build a greenhouse, operate tractors, make compost and manage the farm’s livestock, poultry, and bees. With the skills and knowledge gained and a business plan in hand, program graduates are ready to start or manage their own small organic farm.

Program Details

2019 program dates are March 18th – November 14th

Tuition cost: $6500.00 / Partial scholarships available

To Apply

Please visit our website for more detailed information about the program, curriculum and application process. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the farm (if able) and/or contact the OFS staff with any questions to familiarize themselves with the details of the program before applying. Applicants must send a letter with answers to the applicant questions listed on the website as well as a resume with references.